Abstract:
The diagnostic method for a Diesel engine for determining whether this engine, or at least one device connected thereto, is affected by one or several malfunctions negatively influencing the degree of pollution of the exhaust gases produced by this engine, comprises the steps of analyzing the level of an exhaust gas or the evolution of this level, alone or together with the level or evolution of the level of another gas, according to a predetermined state of the engine and characterizing, from said analysis, any malfunction (s) affecting the Diesel engine and/or the devices associated with it. The invention also concerns a device for implementing this method and a computer program executable on the device.
Abstract:
A joint (20) is disclosed for connecting extruded segments (16, 18) to form a container (10), such as a pressure vessel for storing liquid propane. In cross section, joint (20) includes a pair of symmetrical tabs (22), each tab (22) configured at the end of adjacent arcuate outer wall segments (16). Tabs (22) are configured for contiguous engagement to form a boss (28) having a proximate neck portion (30) and a distal body portion (32). Joint (10) also includes a retaining member (40) configured at the end of an internal web segment (18). Retaining member (40) is configured to capture boss (28). A sealing weld (28) is utilized to seal the adjacent tabs at exposed seam (24).
Abstract:
A pressure vessel (10) for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas ("CNG") includes two end cells (12) and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells (12) meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A web (14) secured about the cells includes two sheets that are tangent to the cells (12). Unused volumes between the cells (12) and the web contain wedges of foam or rubber. A valve (22) provides fluid communication between the interior of the pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid line. The filled weight of one pressure vessel does not exceed the filled weight of a conventional gasoline tank that occupies substantially the same space as the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be configured with exterior recesses for engaging conventional gasoline tank straps.
Abstract:
A pressurized fuel vessel (10) for automotive use has a greater diametrical dimension than axial dimension and is defined by a preformed enclosure (12) whose peripheral wall (16) comprises a reinforcing wall of the vessel having openings (24, 26, 28, 30) therethrough, and an annular portion (14) which is welded to the enclosure to define with the enclosure the chamber of the fuel vessel. The opposed ends (42, 44) of the annular portion conveniently radially inwardly overlap the peripheral wall of the enclosure and are welded to the opposed ends (18, 20) of the enclosure.
Abstract:
A storage tank for storing compressed fluid supplied from a source, comprising: an single piece elongate extruded body having an upper surface, a lower surface and side walls connecting the upper surface and the lower surface and at least one support member extending between the upper surface and the lower surface to define a plurality of storage chambers within the elongate body; and a pair of end caps mounted to an end of the elongate body to provide communication between the plurality of storage chambers, each end cap having a plurality of sockets formed thereon, at least one of which is connectable to the source for receiving the compressed fluid for storage within the plurality of storage chambers.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a composite vessel assembly (20) includes the steps of filling a first chamber defined by a first liner (28,30,32) with a first granulated material (96) through a first orifice (98) in the first liner. A vacuum is then applied to the first chamber, and the first orifice is plugged. The first liner may then be enveloped with a first layer (84) for structural rigidity followed by relief of the vacuum.
Abstract:
A pressure vessel assembly includes a vessel including a wall defining a chamber and a circumferentially continuous lip projecting into the chamber from the wall. The lip defines a through-bore in fluid communication with the chamber. A nozzle assembly including a tube and a flange projecting radially outward from the tube. The tube includes a first portion projecting from the flange and through the through-bore and an opposite second portion projecting outward from the flange. The flange is in contact with the wall and the first portion includes an outer surface having a contour configured to produce sealing friction between the lip and the outer surface.
Abstract:
A pressure vessel assembly includes a composite layer surrounding at least one chamber. A heating element is embedded in the composite layer for extracting gas from the chamber.
Abstract:
A pressure vessel configured to store a pressurized fluid is provided including a plurality of lobes. Each lobe includes at least one vertically arranged interior wall. The plurality of lobes are positioned in a side by side configuration such that a first interior wall of a first lobe is positioned adjacent a second interior wall of a second adjacent lobe. The first interior wall and the second interior wall are configured to contact one another at a first point of tangency. A first tangent intersects the first lobe at the first point of tangency and a second tangent intersects the second lobe at the first point of tangency. The first tangent and the second tangent are separated by about 120 degrees.
Abstract:
A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises a plurality of rigid tubular walls having opposing ends and intermediate segments with closed cross-sections extending along longitudinal axes. Each wall is interconnected at each end with respective ends of two other walls such that interconnected interiors define an interior fluid storage chamber. Exterior surfaces of planarly successive interconnected walls define sides of the storage tank. The tank further comprises exterior support structures each extending between the exterior surfaces of the walls forming each side of the storage tank and reinforcing the storage tank against dynamic loading from fluid in the interior fluid storage chamber. The tank further comprises closure plates each extending at least partially across exterior surfaces of the exterior support structures. Interior surfaces of the closure plates, interior surfaces of the exterior support structures, and exterior surfaces of walls at least partially define an auxiliary fluid storage chamber.